Little hole in the wall kind of place that has great food, good ambiance, and laid back. Don't expect to have a quick breakfast, we came a little before 9 and didn't finish until early 1015. There will be no rushing through the meal. The service was good, even though they did take an order for another table that had come long after us before they took our order. But it can be forgiven with the friendliness of the staff; it was a simple oversight on a busy morning. The food...was good! I had the steak and eggs. Steak cooked perfectly medium rare and I chose the country potatoes because that's how I really test my breakfast places. I usually find them dry and bland at most restaurants...NOT HERE!!! They were well seasoned and not dry at all. Sure there were some more cooked (burnt) pieces but I could overlook those for the surprising good taste and cook on the majority. The steak had good flavors and, my favorite part, instead of toast you can get GRITS! In California grits aren't a big thing and they should be! These grits were great and a perfect pairing to my meal. My husband had the biscuits and gravy. He said that the biscuits were smaller than he expected but it was a pleasant surprise because they were exactly the size he would have preferred anyway. The gravy was great as well. Well seasoned with sausage pieces in it. He ordered the hash browns and they were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Very well done! I can say that I've been eyeing this place for a while now and don't know why it took me so long to actually come out here. I believe we will be coming here more often in the future. read more

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This place is absolutely awesome. Seating is a bit uncomfortable, however I believe they offer cushions. The service is always spot in and it's a fun place to bring the kids. The blood Mary's are delicious! Highly recommend if you want that diner feel with amazing food. read more

A little hidden gem. Food & service is excellent! Always fresh, some favorites are the breakfast burrito with mushroom, Chicken fried steak, and the orange juice always fresh! Customer service is always perfect with a smile. This is how it's done. read more

Always a great experience. Food is good and staff is friendly. My nieces love going to breakfast with me to watch the airplanes

I've never been here in 45 years of living in El Cajon. I was pleasantly surprised. Very sweet staff and great service. Awesome location. And really good food. I had French toast, and my son had a barbecue chicken sandwich. Loved everything. We will be back!! read more

If you love airplanes and aviation this place is it! Charming little cafe' with exceptional customer service! read more

service here is excellent. outside view of the planes is great. the vibes are chill, relaxed and everyone is able to just chill outside and enjoy some really good food. will try again thank you guys read more

We ordered takeout breakfast and service was surprisingly quick. The first thing we noticed when we got our food was the quality of food containers. Honestly, it's the kind of reusable container that you'd have for meal prep. The food itself was also stellar. I felt like the portions were large and filling and definitely worth the money. Prior to COVID, I've sat down and ate here before, and I really like the environment, especially with the small airfield right there as scenery. read more

This place is a great family cafe. Awesome for kids because it is right on the run way and right next to wear the smaller place are kept.. Everything about this place is A+.. when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING. From the moment u walk in u are greeted by either lisa or Jessica who are both AMAZING servers..after being seated and placing orders the owner Roxanne is frequently walking around talking to the guests(many regulars, which days alot about a place) they are also dog friendly which is huge in a time like this. The good was great and was prepared and delivered in a timely manner... I am a frequent flyer since my 1st time I over a year ago and I dint see that changing anytime soon read more

What a hidden little gem! I am so happy I happened to stumble into this place randomly after doing a hike in east county. I never come out to this part of town and it turn's out I am very glad I did. Where else can you get amazing breakfast food with such an awesome fun view. With the seating right in front of the flight school you can see planes take off, mess around and overall it is pure entertainment. As far as the food - MOUTHWATERING. Absolutely delicious and there were hundreds of menu items that all looked so good it was hard to pick. They cater to everyone and I feel like no matter how picky you are .... you will find something. Our server's - as we had multiple pretty gals were so sweet and friendly! I feel like they truly all love there job and want to take care of you here. It seems like a lot of regular's and was not packed. It is kind of in a hidden spot but as long as you map it out you'll be good. There is a ton of parking and bonus - get one of the brownies on your way out. They bake them there and are amazing. read more

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Great service and excellent food! B-17 burger was excellent, as were the fries. Club sandwich is shareable! Fun to watch the aircraft taking off and landing. A little gem in El Cajon off of the beaten track! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - B-17 Burger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Came in here from work for lunch, definitely sit outside and enjoy the view of planes coming in and out of the airfield. You get a nice scenery of moutain ranges and people working in their planes. It can be a little noisy at times because of the engines, but ai didnt mind it at all. They close at 3:00 so this would be ideal for breakfeast or lunch. They are a little understaffed for servers but the customers service was good and they were very friendly. The pastrami sandwich toast was buttery and crispy. The pastrami meat had a lot of flavor and it worked great together. Loved the home made potatoe salad. Would definitely come back again. read more

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The best thing about this cafe is that you only know about it, if you know about it. This is a great hidden gem for locals. I was honored to sit near a group of war veterans. It was the middle of a Sunday morning and we were seated immediately, which was amazing to me. We often go out on weekend mornings and a wait is part of our breakfast routine, and my grumbling tummy was happy to skip that. Dakota served us and was fantastic. She remembered each request and responded in a timely manner. My husband had gone once by himself and this was the first visit for our little family of three (our son is almost two). I loved the kids choices, our little guy ate all the sausage and eggs and some pancake. I had the chicken fried steak, one of my favorite breakfasts when I'm hungry. The gravy seemed watery in places, but overall it was pretty good! I love that grits was a bread option! My husband had a Benedict which he was quick to point out had "a perfectly poached egg." Overall a very good experience and we look forward to our next visit. (Not about the restaurant, but the nearest restrooms by the academy had tons of ants at the sink. Ick.) read more

I ordered the Mediterranean omelette with feta cheese olives spinach and yummy-ness! I was curious about the omelette and was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere cannot be topped! Outside watching airplanes fly by... Kid friendly so the kids can wander along the fence and watch the airplanes safely. I have been going to this place for over 10 years and the current owners have done such a great job! The quality of the food is so much better... it is a little more expensive now but definitely worth it. read more

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Neat being next to the flight line and seeing planes take off and taxi. Omelette was big and flavorful. Coffee was good. Would recommend. read more

I work in the area and love discovering new breakfast joints, so I figured, "why not?" Let me say this place wasn't easy to find and google maps doesnt help. While it technically may be on "N Marshall Ave", its tucked back in an aviation business park, one other review said it best when they said "go to the control tower, the tallest building around", and its right by there. Once I found it after several U-Turns, I was impressed with the amount of outdoor seating right next to the airstrip and plane (storage?parking?) area. Not too much seating inside, however. Let me add that I was honestly intimidated to go here by myself, not being a pilot or anything I pictured walking in to a bunch of bearded, angry faced old men who stared me down and ostracized me for not being "one of them." Needless to say (i think) , that was not the case. This place caters to the general public as well, although pilots do frequent this place. Obviously the interior is decorated with pictures and photographs of airplanes and is what I expected, kind of a "hole in the wall diner" feel, which I am definitely not opposed to! I got the "gillespie slam" which consisted of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast. I really enjoyed my food, although it was very typical. The eggs were suspiciously mushy, even though they looked well-cooked. The taste was still good though. I received 3 strips of bacon, which I was happy about, and it was REAL bacon, which is a huge +, and it was cooked well. My hashbrowns were really well-seasoned and tasted great. The portions here are average, nothing crazy or too filling, but the prices were great. The "butter" on the toast was a little sketchy and they refrigerate their "jellies" which was interesting..... The waitress was amazingly friendly and helpful and I left feeling really glad I came. I'm pleased with my decision to check this place out and even more happy that its really close to my work. I'll be back with friends again soon, im sure. Definitely check the front of the menu for their "breakfast specials" for unbeatable value. You want a gourmet breakfast? head somewhere else. But, if you want a good, solid home-cooked breakfast this is a cool place to go! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

My husband and I have always enjoyed this little cafe... until today. Our experience was so over the top disappointing we will never return. We arrived and walked through the hallway entrance door and made our way to the "stand" where we have been greeted every time in the past. The nice lady who seemed to be the owner asked how many in our party and if we would like inside or outside. We responded with preffering out but asking if there were open tables. Her response was "let me check". One minute later a man opened the door to the patio and asked if we had "checked in". I explained that we believe we had and the nice woman was helping checking on out door seating. He then shuffled us out to the corner of the patio saying that we need to check in to get a table. Ok, no problem... we told him we were unaware there was a wait. He asked our name, wrote down 11:17 as check in time, AND 11:17 as seating time, then led us BACK inside where we came from to the open table in the corner. After parading us around we were delivered to a dirty table. The "host/owner" returned to clean it and we were left at a table inside that we did not ask for. Ok... that's alright. We ordered from ore nice waitress and accepted being inside as apposed to out. We order our breakfast and 50 minutes later were deliBreakfavered the side biscuit to an omlet order and some gravy. 15 minutes after that, we recived a delicious breakfast burrito, and an omelet that was SO burnt on BOTH sides it was crispy burnt egg. The cold yet mushy hash brown was just as bad. After 2 bites of each item, I was done. When the super sweet waitress checked on us I let her know that after waiting OVER an hour, the omelet plate was unedible. She apologized, took the plate back, and said she would speak to the manager about getting it taken offf the bill. In the mean time, the table next to us opened and a couple slightly older than us came and seated them selves. The SAME man who made us follow him out side to put our names on NONEXISTENT wait list, walked by and waved to the couple 30 seconds later. Our waitress came by to let us know the plate would be taken off and she was so sorry. Our check was then deliver by the "nice" lady who originally greeted us and she literally charged us for 6.75 of the 16.50 burnt pate of food. The man and woman running this place are husband and wife. I can not believe the horrible service and lack of knowledge these to individuals possess. I will discourage anyone with ears from EVER giving them business. read more

Awesome food and a GREAT overall experience! We will definitely be coming here again, and probably often. The servers are very nice and totally on the ball. As far as kids are concerned, we brought our 21-month-old and it was no problem at all. They have high chairs, but I didn't see booster chairs. No booths, all tables with chairs. Sit outside if you can, it's always great to be outside. Don't wait any longer, trust me, just go! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Air Traffic Control - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

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This place was pretty good for being a hole in the wall cafe at a small airport. SERVICE- the waitress was very polite and attentive. She seemed to chat up a lot of the pilots who were regulars at the cafe and didn't ignore us for them. FOOD- the food was above average for a cafe. The bacon burger I had was cooked to a good temperature and came with all the fixings for the burger and a side of fries that could have used a bit more salt but weren't half bad. My wife enjoyed her bacon/avocado omelette, which came with hash browns and toast. ATMOSPHERE- it was a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You get a backdrop of planes being worked on and others taking off while you eat. There is some seating inside, but not a lot. There is however plenty of covered seating outside. Tip: to find this place look for control tower and head for it. Also, they do breakfast and lunch the whole time they are open read more

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This place is a hidden gem for cheap, delicious eats. We went for breakfast and everyone was very satisfied with their food. We had omelettes, bacon, other kinds of eggs, oatmeal and hashbrowns (loaded of course). The place is small and adorable and situated right on a small air field so you get to watch the little planes take off as you enjoy your meal! Service was good and the food was good. Its definitely a place I would go back to if I'm around the area again. read more

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The food is amazing here! I unfortunately caught Covid and had to have food delivered but the Gillespie field cafe made it great! There to go food comes hot and in really nice to go containers. We normally order the biscuits and gravy and the country fried steak. Really yummy country potato's also! For sure a forever customer now! read more

Great little local cafe in East County. Find an open table and take a seat, its especially great if you can find a table outside so you can watch the planes take off and land. My son loves the blueberry pancakes. I have enjoyed the corned beef hash, veggie omelette, and steak and eggs. My husband has also enjoyed all their breakfast items as well as bloody mary's and mimosas. Prices are great, service is always sweet, even though they get super busy. Make sure you stop by and bring the kiddos, they'll love it! read more

This has been mine & my boys favorite breakfast spot for a few years now... they never let us down at Gillespe Field Cafe! The food is always on point and they are always so accommodating when I'm customizing my little guys meals! Today we had amazing service from Lisa! Although the place was busy, as always, she was very attentive. My 4 year old dropped his bacon and she must've heard us talking because withing 5 mins she came out with a fresh piece of bacon on a plate for him. They have always gone above and beyond to make sure we leave satisfied... and on top of that the kids get to watch planes take off and land while we're there. Coolest spot in East County! I'm not one to normally write reviews but I left there so pleased that I had to share our experience! Thanks for the awesome brunch date with my boys! read more

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Ever since I was a kid, I have loved airplanes. My Dad would take me to Gillespie Field for the Air Show every year, and I took my kids too, when they were growing up. The Gillespie FIeld Cafe has always been there to feed me and make me leave satisfied. Breakfast is the place's strong suit. Flaky waffles, delectable pancakes, crispy bacon, and breakfast potatoes that are delicious beyond words. They make a solid hamburger too and the staff is polite and friendly. Great view of the airplanes taking off and landing, laid-back vibe, and plenty of aircraft nicknacks all around. If I have one complaint, it's that the coffee is not strong enough. It is consistently that way, so it is probably the way they make it. The only complaint on an otherwise great place to eat. I'll order a Coke next time. read more

Great food, quick service, excellent views of the planes. I always have fun bringing my family here for breakfast

The food was good but as far as the workers I feel like there kinda rude and are very unhelpfu, my friend was hired and worked one day he has restaurant experience and has been a kitchen lead at multiple locations, according to him his first day was cool but the workers were complaining he didn't do certain items right but every restau is different and for then to get upset and have him remake it saying it's not cut right or it's too much or too little of something is problematic and they need a change in their staff. It doesn't matter what job experience someone has you're still supposed to train and lead not just assume they know what to do at your establishment read more

Janet's used to be our favorite breakfast place in Santee, but now it is this place. OK, so this place is technically in EC, but close enough. About the same food quality, selection and price as Janet's but easier to park, less crowed and more outside seatings. Services also just as friendly. I highly recommend patrons of Janet's to come check out this place. read more

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I was caught off guard by the location because it's in actual Pilot Center but once I sat down it was a breeze from there. Delicious food and not over priced. My daughter and I really enjoyed watching the planes take off. Staff was awesome, even sent me to go with a hot cup of coffee, not to mention the coffee is great too. read more

Nice hidden gem; delicious brunch! I cannot wait to bring my son so we can watch the planes take off and land as we eat.

Tasty food, good selection. Large patio has recently been updated. Service was a little spotty, unfortunately.

This place is awesome. The food is great, the service is excellent and you have an up close view of a bunch of planes. I brought my little cousins along and they had a blast watching the planes. I tried the philly which was really delicious and came with a mountain of fries. You get your food quick and it's piping hot when it comes to you. It's also very inexpensive. Give this place a try! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Very good - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Was nice to have a great breakfast with friendly staff while watching the planes come and go. Chicken fried steak hash browns and blueberry pancakes were all on point as expected. We're so happy to be back supporting this local East County gem. Plenty of patio seating and inside too! Super casual so come as you are. Before the pandemic, you can bring your pups to sit on the patio. Great family friendly environment! I forgot to take a pic of our entrees, was too hungry but good portions! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe is a unique little place to enjoy a decent meal without large crowds. The cafe sits next to the airfield so depending on what time of day you are there, you can watch various planes coming and going. There is a small indoor section and a quaint patio for those that want to enjoy the fresh air. The food options are plenty and the portions are filling. If you arrive before 9am on the weekdays you get to choose from some pretty decent meals at a special price. We came for breakfast and got our meals quickly. This place is family friendly and service is given with a smile. We will definitely come back for the lunch menu because the breakfast was pretty good. The home fries are amazing and have just the right amount of seasoning and crisp to them. Check this place out! read more

Thanks Jessica! You made a first time visit, a now recurring one. My husband wanted country fried steak and we didn't want to go to the same old place. So, thanks to Yelp, we stumbled across this gem. His country fried steak was yummy. The gravy was delicious. The country potatoes were seasoned and didn't have bell peppers or onions (which worked for us). My fish and chips were just the right portion and my hibiscus mimosa was refreshing. The biscuits and gravy were also enjoyable. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. A very nice "hole in the wall" eatery. The menu has so many wonderful choices and now that we know the chefs make the soup fresh, I'm ready to return. If you're interested to see what all the goodness is about, just look for the (control) tower and you'll find it read more

Had a great breakfast with co-workers this morning. It's self seating inside or on the patio. I had the hibiscus mimosa (delicious) and country fried steak. You can watch the planes takeoff and land while enjoying your breakfast or lunch. I can't wait to go back. The service was amazing. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Went here for breakfast on Saturday and I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard about this place from many people but had never been in the right place at the right time to go check it out. We were in the area thanks to an EDCO trip for recycling batteries, paint, etc so we stopped in. Bright colorful umbrellas dot the patio and we were greeted by a wonderful smiling server. I noticed how clean the place was and well taken care of. Somebody really takes pride in running this place... well done. We ordered our breakfast and every little thing my wife asked about they had, which were huge wins in her book. Brewed Iced tea? Yes. Stevia? Yes. Sourdough toast? yes. Strawberry jam? yes. Wow, they hit every point. As we waited for our food, we watched the planes land and take off which was fun to see. Our food arrived in a short period and it was delicious. My omelette had bacon, sausage, cheese, onion and mushrooms and it was great. We asked for well done country potatoes and they were on the 'not so well done' side so even though our server asked if we wanted her to take them back and get them cooked more we were hungry and fine going with what we had. The key ingredient was their salsa which was fantastic! I had never had a salsa like that before so we asked for extra which again was brought with a smile. The service was phenomenal so we tipped her well (above 25%) because you never get service like that and she deserved it. We were very happy with our breakfast here and will add this to our places to recommend to friends and family. read more

Very long wait for mediocre food. Lots of flies and gnats. We will not be returning. I will not be recommending.

I hate to give this restaurant a great revie. It's already so popular. That being said, it is by far the best breakfast restaurant in east county read more

I've been to this restaurant at least a dozen times (we live very close). If you have kiddos, this place is great because they can watch the planes take off while waiting for food to come. The service is always excellent, the food is delicious and my kids love it here! If you have a chance, check it out! read more

Hidden Gem... this is the place you almost don't want to share, so it won't get too crowded. Excellent food Excellent service Atmosphere beyond excellent! If I was a kid I would want my mom to take me here all the time. We felt like kids watching the planes land and take off. Mid morning is the busiest! read more